Architectural Illusions and Architectural Representations: Buildings and Space in the “Salerno ivories”

This contribution focuses on the extraordinary architectural representations that appear on the so-called "Salerno Ivories" and on their role in the creation of an imaginary built environment for most of the Old and New Testament scenes. In the plaques the use of architecture to qualify the space as an interior or exterior and the abundance of walled cities recall a Byzantine context. Yet at the same time, the presence of decorative patterns and elements derived from diverse traditions is strongly evocative of the architecture of Fatimid Egypt between the late tenth and mid-twelfth century. This is not to suggest that specific buildings found in the Fatimid realm are represented in the ivories. Rather, the architectural representations reflect a milieu in which Islamicizing elements could easily accompany Christian religious iconography.